Sebastian scowled as he flipped through the pages of the "To Die" list, double- checking for any mention of Cordelia Brown. All humans die. Even if her death had yet to arrive, her name, a cause, and a date should appear in this book. He knew it even before he had went over the book a second time. It was only a precaution that he checked again. He never missed anything. As expected, there was no mention of Cordelia Brown. This didn't make any sense…unless…
"Unless she isn't mortal?" A steely voice finished his thought for him.
Sebastian turned to see William T. Spears adjust his glasses, like the OCD reaper he was. His hair was cut neatly and parted down the middle, every strand exactly in place. His black suit was completely free of wrinkles, his tie straight to the point of looking plastic, and his shoes were shined to perfection. Even his face was eerily perfect…Although, Sebastian reminded himself, not as perfect as mine.
The demon smirked, replying in a condescending tone, "How lovely to see you again, William. Unfortunately, I don't have time to chat."
William harrumphed, irritated, "Coincidentally, neither do I. I'll be taking back the book you…" He paused, as if searching for the right word, "borrowed."
Suddenly, footsteps rapidly grew closer. The sound was like gunfire- high heels clicking on roof tiles. Sebastian frowned. Why did the universe insist on tormenting him? Just working for the Phantomhive brat was enough torture for one millennia, thank you.
"Now wait just a MINUTE!" a shrill man's voice objected, "Bassy, you can't just leave me lying on the cold floor like that, how cruel!"
Sebastian smiled darkly and said, "Forgive me. You just look so much better beaten to a pulp than you do normally."
The red-clad reaper shivered and cried, "Oh, you think so? Then come at me! But, please, be as gentle as you ca-"
"Grell Sutcliff," William interrupted, obviously irate as the slacker stood beside him, hanging about like a misplaced, very red, plant in a garden of dark flowers, "What are you doing? You should be working! And what about that subordinate you're supposed to be monitoring?" William pronounced his words as shortly as his hair was clipped.
"Huh?" Grell asked, placing one hand on his hip as he checked his nails for dirt, "You mean Ronald? Oh, don't worry. I've got him busy. He's doing my paperwork for me."
William sighed, obviously fed up, "Never mind that," he snapped, "We have more pressing matters to deal with."
The reaper turned his attention back to the matter at hand, "Now then, Sebastian Micha-"
Crickets.
"Wait," Grell squawked, eyes searching the abandoned roof, "Where'd he go? He was just here!"
William bent down and picked up the "borrowed" copy of the "To Die" list. On top of the black book was a note that read:
I won't be needing this after all. Thank you for your time and resources.
Sebastian M.
"Huh?" Grell read over William's shoulder curiously, "Hold on just a second, where did he get the paper to write that? Not to mention the quill and ink?"
"Where do you think?" William muttered.
After a moments pause, Grell shouted, "OH! My, well Bassy, I say-"
"That monster has caused us trouble for the last time…Come with me," William commanded as he sprinted after the demon.
"Oh, Will, only if you ABSOLUTELY insist," Grell flirted, grabbing his chainsaw death-scythe. (Being off suspension certainly had its perks, didn't it?)
Sebastian could hear the two advancing. His master was calling him. He didn't have time for this. He wondered what it could be. He wasn't supposed to be called in until at least five-o-clock. He checked his pocket watch. It had just turned one thirty four and 17 seconds. He knew the Master wasn't in immediate danger, but flawless punctuality was expected of a Phantomhive Butler. As the demon exited London, he noticed something odd. The temperature was changing rapidly from somewhat chilled to positively warm. Although he didn't know if it was important, Sebastian made note. The cloudy haze of the city began to disappear, revealing a clear blue sky.
Come to think of it, it was already well into April. Easter had come and gone (Lizzy-style celebrations and all)…wasn't it odd that London seemed so frosty? The manor was considerably far from the city. Far enough away that the chill didn't seem to reach it…It seemed as if only London was affected by this cold spell. It wasn't chilly enough to be too concerning, but seemed strange considering the heat wave hitting everywhere else in the country. Sebastian had a feeling all of this would point back to Cordelia Brown and the odd dark book…
"Sebastian Michaelis!" William shouted, "Come back here this instant!"
Sebastian turned, pausing to respond, "If you will excuse me, I have a rather urgent matter to attend to. I suggest that the two of you resume your work as well."
Grell finally caught up to William, panting, "You…sure…are light…on your feet, I'll give you that."
William grunted, "If you weren't in such bad shape you would be able to keep up with me. Honestly."
Grell snapped indignantly, "BAD SHAPE?! Do you have any idea how many people would DIE to look like me?"
"You definitely meet the definition of 'looks that could kill,'" Sebastian said in a not-at-all-complimentary tone.
Grell beamed, stepping before William towards the demon with sparkling eyes, "Oh, Sebas-chan! You are too kind!" He caressed his death scythe as he spoke.
Sebastian and William both checked their watches at the same time.
I've already wasted too much time here, Sebastian thought.
If I don't wrap this up, William assumed, I'll be stuck working overtime again…Just once I'd like to clock out on time.
The two charged at the same moment.
Unfortunately, they charged strait into Grell who happened to be standing between them. The poor reaper was nearly crushed in the collision.
"Now listen," Grell yelped, rubbing his head as he straightened his red glasses, "I understand your affection for me, but one at a time, PLEASE."
This earned him a swift kick from both William and Sebastian.
"Ow!" Grell complained, "Listen, I'm not completely emotionless like the two of you! Nor am I made of stone, THAT HURT!"
"That's the point," William responded, "Grell, if you aren't going to be of any use to me in this battle, I request you return to your post. Unless you want me to report to the Higher Ups..."
"NO!" Grell screeched, jumping up from where he lay, "That won't be necessary!" The reaper turned to Sebastian and blew a kiss, "Another time, Sebastian Darling, toddle-oo!" In a flash, he was gone.
Sebastian was so taken aback that William was able to land a hit. The demon was sent flying back. Sebastian crashed into the roof of the next building, causing several tiles to come loose. The demon rose and spit out a squirt of blood, wiping his mouth.
"If I remember correctly," the demon said angrily, "I returned the book I checked out."
"Sebastian Michaelis," William T. Spears recited, as if speaking a line he'd practiced to himself repeatedly, "This time you have gone too far. You're continued interference with my job is something that I have no intention of putting up with any longer," he pushed back his glasses as he smiled icily. After a dramatic pause, the reaper said, "Under Clause 17 of the "Grim Reaper Dispatch Manual," if a reaper is 'unable to do his job/ continually harassed by a demon, he is at liberty to put an end to the problem in any way he see's fit.'"
Sebastian raised his fists protectively. He knew where this was going.
"Very well," Sebastian closed his eyes, "But be warned- I do not intend to hold back this time."
"The feeling is mutual," William replied cooly.
Sebastian opened his eyes, "Then you understand what's at stake," he declared, his now pink-red eyes forming cat-like slits for pupils.
"I do," William challenged, "I, William T. Spears of the Grim Reaper's Management Team, stake my immortal soul on the outcome of this battle!"
